What is the Brazilian Air Force?

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Quick Answer

Known as the Forca Aerea Brasileira, the Brazilian Air Force is the air branch of the Brazilian military. One of three branches of the Brazilian Armed Forces, the unit was formed in 1941 with the merging of the Army and the Navy air branch.

As of 2014, the Brazilian Air Force includes more than 77,000 personnel and operates at least 700 aircraft, making it the largest Air Force of the Southern Hemisphere. The unit has gained worldwide recognition for its efforts in protecting the country's nearly two million square miles of Amazon rainforest, seeking out illegal animal traffickers, miners and drug cartels.